Chess Added to Esports Nations Cup 2026 Line-up

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the inclusion of chess as one of the 16 competitive titles at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026. The event will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, marking a significant step in the integration of classical mind sports into the global esports ecosystem.

Historic Inclusion at Esports Nations Cup

The chess competition will run from November 2, with the playoff final scheduled for November 8, 2026. A total of 128 players will participate, representing their respective nations. According to the organisers, this will be the largest chess field ever assembled in an esports tournament, enabling wider participation from emerging players and underrepresented countries while reinforcing chess’s expanding digital footprint.

Tournament Format and Match Structure

The opening phase will feature a round-robin group stage comprising 16 groups of eight players each. The top four players from every group will progress to the knockout stage, resulting in a 64-player single-elimination playoff bracket. Group-stage matches, along with the Round of 64 and Round of 32, will be played in a best-of-two format. From the quarterfinals onwards, matches will shift to a best-of-four format, with Armageddon games used as tie-breakers. All games will be played under a Rapid 10+0 time control.

Qualification Pathways and Ranking Criteria

Players will compete under a nation-based format, with a maximum of two players allowed per country. Of the 128 slots, 64 players from 64 nations will receive direct invitations based on official Champions Chess Tour rankings, with only one player per nation eligible through this route. The cut-off date for direct qualification is May 26, 2026. Remaining places will be filled through regional qualifiers and wildcard entries, with regional qualifiers organised by Chess.com across seven regions in June 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• Esports Nations Cup 2026 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Chess will feature 128 players in a nation-based format.
• Matches will follow a Rapid 10+0 time control.
• Qualification is linked to Champions Chess Tour rankings.

Chess’s Expanding Role in Esports

Chess first appeared at the Esports World Cup in 2025, where “Magnus Carlsen” won the inaugural title. Indian grandmaster “Arjun Erigaisi” highlighted the format’s appeal to younger audiences, while “Sagar Shah” and “Tania Sachdev” noted that the nation-centric structure enhances fan engagement. The inclusion of chess at ENC 2026 further cements its position within modern competitive entertainment.